Raheem DeVaughn's new album, Love Behind the Melody, could be his big break. The album's single, "Woman," has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category, and people line up to see him at his CD signings and concerts. Next week, he'll begin touring the country with Jill Scott.
DeVaughn says he's known for interacting with his fans, calling himself a meet-and-greet type of person. He says he thinks the positive messages in his music intrigue people, and make them want to pick his brain. He listens to all the CDs his fans hand him. Unfortunately, not all of them are impressive, but he always listens, because he doesn't know what he might come across.
DeVaughn has put out mix tapes and major-label records, getting some of his independent spirit and stubbornness from his father, a jazz celloist. He says he loves the business of making music for a living: "I love the game. I'm a hustler at heart." He says his success is a reflection of the work he's put in, as well as the team he's built around himself.
"The machine is running," he says. "This is the moment I've been waiting for."
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